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a pair of green marble obelisks with gold accentsan image of a green marble clock with a gold emblem on ita close up of a green and gold pendant on a black backgrounda pair of green marble obelisks with gold numbers on them
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176 - Pair of Malachite Obelisks. Russian School. 20th century.
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Estimate €6,500 - €8,500
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Description
Pair of Malachite Obelisks. Russian School. 20th century. Malachite, silver and gilt metal. Height: 59 cm. A magnificent pair of obelisks designed in keeping with the monumental style of the Russian imperial tradition, featuring slender square-section shafts, pyramidal finials and architecturally stepped bases. The surfaces are entirely clad in carefully selected and assembled malachite veneers, arranged to emphasise the stone’s characteristic concentric, undulating and radiating veining, whose intense green tones lend each piece exceptional visual richness. The composition is characterised by rigorous symmetry and pronounced verticality, balanced by the compact proportions of the bases and by the succession of mouldings that define the different structural sections. The fronts and sides are embellished with gilded metal emblematic mounts, including crowned double-headed eagles and flaming torches enclosed within laurel wreaths – motifs associated with imperial authority, glory, dynastic continuity and the exaltation of the State. The contrast between the chromatic depth of the malachite and the warm brilliance of the gilded elements heightens the solemnity of the ensemble, whilst the polished stone reveals the complexity and beauty of its natural mineral formations. The quality of the craftsmanship is evident in the precision of the cutting, the careful fitting of the veneers, the regularity of the edges, and the finely modelled ornamentation, all executed with meticulous workmanship and a refined finish. Stylistically, the pair revives, in the 20th century, the Neoclassical and historicist traditions associated with Russian luxury arts, particularly the taste for architecturally conceived hardstone objects of a ceremonial nature developed by the imperial workshops of the Urals and Saint Petersburg. Through their monumental presence, the richness of their materials, and their elaborate iconography, these works constitute a distinguished example of Russian imperial-style decorative arts, endowed with considerable ornamental impact and a strong sculptural presence.
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About the sale GRAND JULY AUCTION | OLD MASTERS, HAUTE ÉPOQUE & FINE JEWELLERY
Auction location
Auction time 07/28/2026 at 4:00 PM
Pictures modified on 07/20/2026 at 5:24 PM
Lot description modified on 07/20/2026 at 4:25 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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